Kids often make the perfect candidates for rock climbing, as they normally have a natural inclination to explore and to climb, so it makes sense to consider giving them a skill that they can use not just in their childhood, but for a lifetime.

If you like the great outdoors and want to encourage your kids to safely embrace some challenges of their own, you might want to climb aboard a ride like the Jeep Patriot and head for the hills, but maybe only after your kids have had some rock climbing lessons.

Start them young

You can introduce your children to rock climbing from when they are as young as five, and it may well turn out to be a decision that instills a passion about the sport that stays with them and allows them to enjoy all sorts of adventures and different locations.

You will no doubt already know as a parent of a young and energetic child, that most kids seems to have a natural propensity towards climbing whatever is put in front of them, so it makes a lot of sense to find something that allows them to channel that energy and curiosity into a skill, in other words, get them into rock climbing.

Indoor is the best place to start

When you are first starting out and learning the ropes of rock climbing so to speak, it is generally considered a better idea to start off indoors, where you can acquire some skills in a more controlled and generally safer environment.

Most children who are younger than twelve in particular, will normally find it easier to get to grips with the basics of rock climbing and how to use the equipment, within the confines of an indoor area that has been specifically designed for the purpose and where trained instructors are on hand to offer guidance.

Challenging experience

It is fair to say that even indoor rock climbing can be a very challenging experience, so it is always best to take things nice and steady rather than present them with a task that they will struggle to complete, if their level of ability is not yet in line with their ambitions.

Practice makes perfect and allowing them to gain a good education on all aspects of rock climbing, from safety to specific techniques, while also having some fun, should see your child enjoy the experience and want to learn more.

The majority of indoor rock climbing venues tend to offer a variety of textures and terrain that your kids to test themselves on, which should then give them an excellent grounding for when you want to take the next step, and tackle the great outdoors with them.

Once your children have been inspired by what rock climbing has to offer, you may well find that your weekends are filled with sport climbing, top-rope climbing and all sorts of other ways to get vertical and have some real family fun.

Kyle Simpson discovered his passion for rock climbing as a teenager and now, in his late 20’s, has never looked back. Recently introducing his nephews to the activity, Kyle has taken to writing some rock climbing articles aimed at the youngsters.